Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Wife Maria Shriver Announce Separation

Actor and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife of 25 years, Maria Shriver, have separated.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the couple confirmed the separation in a joint statement released on Monday when questions were raised about the marriage after Shriver was seen residing separately from Schwarzenegger for the last few weeks.

The statement read, "This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us. After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision together. At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship."

The statement continues, "We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the center of both of our lives. We consider this a private matter and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment. We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public."

Schwarzenegger, 63, and Shriver, 55, have been married since 1986 and the couple just celebrated their 25th Anniversary on April 26.

The couple has four children together, two girls named Katherine, 21, and Christina, 19, and two boys, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13.

Schwarzenegger recently announced that he had signed on to star in three films including another installment of the 'Terminator' series.

The Austrian born actor also is planning to launch a new superhero cartoon and comic book series called 'The Governator' with comic book legend Stan Lee.